End of a controversial and ancient practice: South Korea will ban the eating of dogs

South Korea intended to ban the consumption of dog meat and end controversy over the ancient custom amid growing awareness of animal rights, a ruling party politician said on Friday.

The Korean practice of eating dogs has drawn criticism overseas for its cruelty, but it is also drawing growing opposition at home, particularly from the younger generation.

“It is time to end social conflicts and controversies over dog meat consumption by issuing a special law to put an end to it,” said Yu Eui-dong, political head of the ruling People’s Power Party. during a meeting with government officials. and animal rights activists.

The government and ruling party will introduce a bill this year to enforce a ban, Yu said, adding that with expected bipartisan support, the bill is expected to be approved by Parliament.

Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun said at the meeting that the government would quickly implement a ban and provide as much support as possible to people working in the dog meat industry to close their businesses.

First lady Kim Keon Hee has been an outspoken critic of dog meat consumption and, along with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, has adopted stray dogs.

Anti-dog meat bills have failed in the past due to protests from industry players and concerns about the livelihoods of farmers and restaurateurs.

The proposed ban will include a three-year grace period and financial support to allow companies to exit the trade.

Eating dog meat is an ancient practice on the Korean Peninsula and is considered a way to beat the summer heat.

But it is much less common than before in South Korea, although some older people still eat it and serve it in some restaurants.

Animal rights groups have welcomed the prospect of a ban. “A dream come true for all of us who campaigned so hard to end this cruelty,” Humane Society International said in a statement.

According to government data, there are about 1,150 dog breeding farms, 34 slaughterhouses, 219 distribution companies and about 1,600 restaurants serving dogs.

A Gallup Korea poll last year showed that 64 percent of respondents were opposed to eating dog meat. The survey found that only 8% of respondents had eaten dog in the past year, down from 27% in 2015.